Cash on Delivery by Michael Cooney and directed by Ron Aldridge certainly delivers the innuendos and laughter in the Mill at Sonning’s latest production. An antedote to these long dreary days of winter at the moment.

Mistaken identity (sort of), defrauding the Department of Social Security (yes they used to make home visits), an impending wedding, an unruly washing machine, a visit from the undertaker and a few dead bodies along the way, not exactly dead or are they?

Mr Jenkins (Harry Gostelow), play Department of Social Security inspector who has been ordered by his boss to pay an unexpected visit to Eric Swan (Steven Pinder). He has a huge file of claims under Swan’s name and knows these can’t be legitimate. However, he has to try to get evidence before they can make any charges.

The pace and storyline speed up and become more farcical in Act Two. With a few surprises along the way. There was plenty of action going on off stage too, especially in the kitchen with the washing machine, which for some reason Mr Jenkins ended up tackling unsuccessfully.

Set in 1994 the attitudes are a reflection of the time. The Swan’s house is a typically decorated living room area from the 1990s. A very clean and nicely decorated middle-class home. It was a trip down memory lane seeing the “home” phone that Swan uses, I remember them well.

The comedy farce is definitely pitched perfectly to the audiences who frequent the Mill at Sonning regularly. Manager Sally Hughes clearly knows her clients well and from the audience responses during the performance, many of them were in hysterics and thoroughly enjoying themselves, as did I at some of the jokes. It reminded me of how much humour and comedy have evolved over thirty years.

As usual, the dining experience before the show was excellent with something on the menu to try and cater for everyone. I am sure that if you have any dietary requirements speak to them ahead of your visit. They do excellent coffee too.

For more information about Cash On Delivery and future productions at the Mill at Sonning please use the link below.

Four Stars.

Photo credit Carla Joy Evans.

https://millatsonning.com/Events/cash-on-delivery/

CAST
Eric Swan – Steven Pinder
Linda Swan – Natasha Gray
Norman Bassett – James Bradshaw
Mr Jenkins – Harry Gostelow
Uncle George – Michael Shaw
Sally Chessngton – Rachel Fielding
Doctor Chapman – Oscar Cleaver
Mr Forbright – Titus Rowe
Ms Cowper – Felicity Duncan
Miss Dixon – Melanie Gutteridge

CREATIVES
Writer – Michael Cooney
Director – Ron Aldridge
Set Designer – Alex Marker
Costume and Hair Designer – Natalie Titchener
Lighting Design – Graham Weymouth
Sound Design – Henry Horn

Running from:
5 February to 4 April 2026.